Dear Senate,
As a former Senate member, it’s been hard to turn a blind eye to the recent bad press that seems to follow the body around. Regardless of this press, I still truly believe Senate does far more good for the students of Ohio University than bad. It is with this belief that I write to you, the members of Student Senate. No longer can you have leaders that set examples only through their words, but not their actions. In your next Vice President, you must choose someone who will whip Senate into shape and return the body back to its roots of helping students. Now, I have no intention medaling in college politics. I happily accept my role as an old alum who doesn’t have time for the political atmosphere of my Senate years. However, I feel strongly enough to make a plea to you and openly support Mary-Kate Gallagher as the next Senate Vice President.
First, let me say that I have no negative words to give on any other candidates’ behalves. On the other hand, I nothing but praise for Mary Kate and the work she has done. I believe she is the best candidate running. I have personally spend hundreds of hours working with her in many capacities. In every instance, she demonstrated to me an ability to overcome adversity in the most remarkable ways. Her attention to building relationships makes her an incredibly effective leader. She is also someone whose detail oriented style makes her incredibly competent for the role of Vice President.
Now, I realize she has a reputation in Senate for not being afraid to crack the whip; I have personally experienced this first hand. But is that a bad thing? I say hell no! In fact, that is the exact kind of person you need for this upcoming semester. In your next Vice President, you need someone who isn’t afraid to hold people accountable and set a tone of professionalism for the body. Mary Kate has the talent, the experience, and the vision to work with the other executives to whip Senate back into shape.
Finally, I want to close by giving an example of the kind of impact Mary Kate has on people at Ohio University, in particular, me. When I came to Ohio University I had few friends, but had a lot of ambition to do something greater than myself. I was blessed to meet Mary Kate my second quarter. Over the next four years, she pushed me to be a better person and a better student advocate. She is the reason I joined Student Senate and she is the reason still to this day I find myself standing up for those without a voices. I am a better person for knowing Mary Kate and I know that if you give her the chance to lead, she will have the same incredible impact on the body. She is a one of a kind person and leader. Senate, with the preverbal ship stuck in some pretty choppy waters, you need a one of a kind leader. It is time to whip the crew into shape and get this boat on the right course again. It is time to elect Mary Kate Gallagher as your next Vice President.
Evan Ecos was the treasurer for Student Senate during the 2012-13 academic year.
